How to Protect Yourself from Toxic Individuals Who Gaslight You and Use Emotional Tactics
Today i want to talk about something that I've been thinking about a lot lately like understanding when someone is trying to control our emotions and how we can set boundaries to protect ourselves and we all face this in different ways like with friends, partners, or even people we meet online
I often face such people and today i will share whatever i have learned its not like im very professional but im sharing here what I have read and learned
Emotional manipulation is when someone tries to control or influence you using your emotions They might make you feel guilty, doubt yourself, or question your own feelings
So here are some examples like how emotional manipulation can look -
1. The Guilt tripping
This is when someone tries to make you feel bad for not doing what they want by saying things like
- If you really cared about me you would do what i want
- I don't want to stay with temporary people stop caring about me or just let me be like this
2. Gaslighting
This is when someone tries to make you doubt your own thoughts and memories by saying things like
- You're just imagining things i never said that
- Maybe you should just leave me i know you'll just find someone else as soon as you have the chance anyway
3. Playing the Victim
This is when someone tries to make you feel sorry for them even though they're the one causing the problem so they might say things like
I can't believe you're upset with me i'm the one who's been hurt
Okay fine focus on your life don't care about me just leave me alone don't give me this kind of advice give it to someone else
4. Shifting Blame
This is when someone tries to make you feel like the problem is your fault instead of theirs they might say things like
It's not my fault you're upset you're just too sensitive
You're just wasting time with me i'm just your texting partner
Emotional manipulators often feel insecure or powerless by controlling others they feel a sense of power and prop up their own self esteem they might have learned these tactics from their own upbringing too
Their Personality Traits
1. Narcissism
Emotional manipulators often act like they're better than others and always want people to praise them and they need a lot of attention and don't care much about how others feel they think they're more important than everyone else and often complain too much .
2. Insecurity
Even though they may seem confident, emotional manipulators actually feel unsure about themselves. Deep down they might have had tough experiences in the past that make them feel bad about themselves so they try to control others to feel better about themselves.
3. Need for Control
Emotional manipulators always want things to go their way. They try to control what others do and say to feel powerful and important and they use tricks like making others feel guilty or pretending to be the victim to control how people act around them.
Understanding these traits helps us recognize when someone might be trying to manipulate us and It's important to stand up for ourselves and not let them control u
Reasons for Manipulation
What Makes Them Pull the Strings?
There are several reasons why people turn to manipulation here are some of the big ones:
Power and Control:
Many manipulators feel a deep seated need for power and control in their lives they might feel insecure or powerless on their own so manipulating others gives them a sense of superiority and helps them feel better about themselves.
Self Gain:
It's all about "me" for some manipulators they might use emotional tactics to get what they want whether it's money, favors, or simply getting their way in an argument
Fear of Abandonment:
Some manipulators are terrified of being alone they might use emotional blackmail or guilt trips to keep people close even in unhealthy relationships
Low Self Esteem:
Despite their controlling ways some manipulators actually have very low self esteem they might manipulate others to get the validation and approval they crave
Learned Behavior:
Sometimes manipulation is a learned behavior they might have grown up in a household where manipulation was the norm and they adopted it as a way to cope with the world.
How To Protect Yourself From these Manipulator
Set Boundaries
Make it clear what you're okay with and what you're not stick to your limits and don't let manipulators push you around
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn't feel right trust your gut feeling take steps to keep yourself safe from further manipulation.
Don't engage in arguments
They want to get a rise out of you walk away
Focus on yourself
Prioritize your own needs and well being
Responding to Manipulation
Stay Calm
Try not to get upset or angry when dealing with manipulative people stay calm and stand up for yourself firmly
Be Assertive
Clearly say how you feel and what you want without being mean or starting a fight
Limit Interaction
If manipulation keeps happening even after you've tried to stop it think about spending less time with that person to protect your mental health
End Note :
These people think that by behaving like this they can protect themselves they always want attention and love from everyone around them but they don't notice or thank others for what they do It's better to let them go without worrying too much about them if you think you can change them you're wrong they'll just resist your efforts and keep complaining instead of appreciating what others do they often find fault in small things its better to focus on yourself and not let their behavior bother you
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Gavi Fluff Alphabet
The long awaited and highly requested. I can't bring myself to write smut rn tbh. Like my head is pounding and I'm about to vom. So sexy. Please keep expectations in the dirt so I can exceed them with my sleepy writing.
~~~
a = affection (how affectionate are they? how do they show affection?)
I don't think Pablo is the type to show much affection in public
He's still quite young and shy, not eager to be teased in person or online about PDA
I think affection in public would be limited to hand-holding, maybe a side hug
Even the gentlemen stuff would escape him in an effort not to come across too sappy.
Like he'll hold your bags, but you're getting your own doors
In private though? Man is a teddy bear
Attached to you
Always wants to be touching you in some way - sitting too close, laying on your lap, anything
Will actually pout if he's not given kisses and affection hourly
b = best friend (what would they be like as a best friend?)
Scary dog privileges but as a person
Would always be FaceTiming you just to have your presence there in the background
Sends you at least 20 tiktoks a day because they remind him of you
Always pays when y'all are out
c = cuddles (do they like to cuddle? how would they cuddle?)
Absolutely necessary
Actually so touch starved that he might die without some quality time from you
Started out with you wrapping yourself around his shoulders to get his attention (since he's confirmed always on his phone)
Now you'll be minding your business and feel him wrap his arms around you
Like to be the baby, laying on top of you, getting his hair played with
Prefers when neither of you have a proper shirt on so the two of you can share body heat
Must be a separate activity from sleeping - Gavi get's too hot and restless in his sleep to cuddle
Age regression - literally a little puppy when he’s in your arms, responding in nods and whimpers
d = domestic (do they want to settle down? how are they around the house?)
Pablo cannot imagine settling down right now
He loves his youth and his job and his freedom
But looking at you in his house, laying on his couch or waking up next to him, he thinks he could get used to this
Quite lazy around the house tbh
Regular teenage boy; does the bare minimum to not be living in filth
Very good about one thing: dishes.
Fun fact: gavi seems like the type to be afraid of cockroaches and other critters, so he’s amazing at doing everything to prevent them from entering his house
Baby steps towards domesticity: letting you stay over, then buying you a toothbrush, then a drawer, then a key to the front door
e = ending (if they had to break up with their s/o, how would they do it?)
Pablo is not good at feelings or confrontation
So if he ever needed to break up with a girl, he would do it indirectly
Probably over text or through a phone call, because he doesn’t know how to handle heartbreak
If it was in person, he would do it in public, buying you a meal or coffee before breaking the news
He would always repeat how it’s a problem with him, how he needed to figure himself out, and how there was no blame on you
Getaway car waiting outside
f = fiancé (how would they feel about commitment? how quick would they want to get married?)
Rather terrifying prospect for pablito
Wants to have his own accomplishments in his career before he looks to lock you down
Type to give you a promise ring on a necklace
“Princesa, im going to be the best someday, and you deserve nothing but the best. So wait for me until I get there?”
Not the type to do long engagements - as long as it takes to plan the wedding and that’s all
Once he proposes, he wants you to be his as soon as possible - Mrs. Gavira can’t come soon enough
g = gentle (how gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)
Physically? Not so gentle
Forgets that he’s gone through a bulk period and he now has a lot of muscle
Still play fights like he’s a scrawny 14 year old, occasionally being too harsh
Everything is a little too intense but that’s what makes it Gavi
His hugs are a little tight on your ribs, his grip restricting the blood flow to your hand slightly
But you love it all the same because it’s him
Emotionally tho? My man is a marshmallow over an open flame
Still young and rather volatile - emotions are right on the surface
His happiness is immediate and overflowing, radiating even
But when he’s sad or anxious? His whole being changes
Sad eyes, dropped shoulders, crossed arms - be was a different person
Tries to be as gentle as possible with your feelings because he didn’t want to lose you or compromise what y’all have
Also wants to establish a dynamic where you two are gentle with each other
Because otherwise he’ll break down and close off from you entirely
h = hugs (do they like hugs? how often do they do it? what are their hugs like?)
Any Gavi girl knows what I’m about to say
Man loves hugs
Adores them
Occur every time he sees you
What type of hug?? Girl
You know the one
One arm around the waist, securing you to his chest
The other around your head, bringing you in gently to rest beneath his chin
And of course it’s couple with that little smooth on the side of the head
For hello, good bye, good luck, and I L*** Y**, this was his delivery message of choice
Sometimes Pablo will pull you in for long hugs where he can just breathe you in, enjoying the feeling of you in his arms
Always ended with a sweet kiss on the top of your forehead, eyes meeting yours to describe what you should call your situation
i = i love you (how fast do they say the L-word?)
Okay so someone please educate me - is saying I love you like a big moment in other cultures?
Like I’m Arab, and saying بحبك for the first time is not a huge thing
So I think that would influence when he says it out loud
But I think Pablo would take a while to realize that he’s in love
He’s young and doesn’t really understand the feeling of being in love with someone else
I think it would take a good 6-8 months before he would be able to look at you and think “wow. So this is what being in love feels like.”
j = jealousy (how jealous do they get? what do they do when they're jealous?)
Controversial opinion: I don’t think Gavi would be the type to get jealous quickly
I know I know but before you get the pitchforks lemme explain
Everyone talks about how Gavi doesn’t get nervous or really doubt himself
He knows he’s hot shit okay?
Both on the field and off, he’s confident in what he brings to the table
So when he gets a girl, he’s gonna be confident in that as well, knowing that he was able to pull her
He gets a kick watching guys flirt with you, because he knows that you’ll never give them the time of day
The only time he might get jealous is when you fawn over another man in front of him
Especially if it’s another footballer
He’s the type to pout and get quiet, scowling at the thought of you all giddy about someone else
Would pull you onto his lap and ask you in a soft voice
“You’re happy with me right?”
Just needs a little bit of reassurance that he’s doing everything in his power to be the best for you
k = kisses (what are their kisses like? where do they like to kiss their partner? where do they like to be kissed?)
Not to be predictable, but I think he would love kissing you on the neck and the forehead
Like he seems like the type to give you affectionate kisses on the cheek and stuff rather than kissing on the lips all the time
The type to kiss the back of your hand, the top of your head, your bare shoulder
Just a thousand little pecks everywhere
Will grab your face with both hands and give you a fat kiss when he’s feeling excited
otherwise, he’s quite gentle in the way he kisses you
Soft lips moving against yours slowly, takes a while to warm up to intense making out (in the session not overall - hes 18 )
Likes to be kissed on cheek and on the neck
Loves when you sit on his lap and kiss him deeply
l = little ones (how are they around children?)
You’d think he’d not be great with kids because he’s young and kind of aggressive
But you and me both have seen the videos of him in the hospital
So sweet and gentle with the young ones
Loves to pick them up and put them on his shoulders
Very patient with little kid nonsense
Can’t help but think about having his own kids one day
Tells you off handedly that’s he’s excited to be a father one day
“You think our kids will be good at football?”
m = morning (how are mornings spent with them?)
Hectic
Very energetic in the morning on account of having training so early
Always practically jumping out of bed ready to go
Wakes you up by squeezing you tightly and kissing all over your face
Makes sure you eat in the morning no matter how much you object
n = nights (how are nights spent with them?)
On weekdays, Pablo is fucking tired
Comes home ready to pass the fuck out from training
Lots of eating dinner on the couch and lazy nights
Ready to go to bed by like 10pm
Gets very childish and cranky when he’s tired - lots of pouting and whining to go to sleep
On weekends, he’s a little more enthused
Ready to go out to a restaurant or club with you and have fun
Still keeps things within limits - no blacking out or throwing up
o = open (when would they start revealing things about themselves?)
A while y’all
Pablo is a great listener - loves to hear about you and your interests
But about himself? He’s not a fan
Gets too shy and nervous - thinks he’s boring or bothering you with details about his life
Stuff will slip here and there when he’s stressed, and he starts blushing immediately upon realizing he’s over shared
Starts warming up to you 3-4 months in, just with little tid bits about his family and early life
More likely to speak to you when you were cuddled up, playing with his hair, running your fingers up and down his arm
p = patience (how easily angered are they?)
Be for real y’all
My man has little to no patience
Very short fuse
Was a major point of tension early in the relationship
Quick to anger, but also quick to calm down
Doesn’t dwell on things and it’s always ready to move on
Learning to be more calm and patient with you
q = quizzes (how much would they remember about their partner?)
Takes learning about you very seriously
Always super interested when you speak, completely taken by you
Makes notes in his phone about everything: your favorite flowers, dream vacation spots, and more
Interestingly enough, forgets super simple things about you, like your favorite color
r = remember (what is their favourite moment in your relationship?)
There were so many little domestic moments that Gavi loved experiencing with you
But the one moment he treasured the most with you was the first time you went to Sevilla with him
Your laughter, your energy, just lit up his hometown
He loved watching your interactions with his family and friends
You both were laying in bed in his parents’ house, just laying with you and being silly when you talked about how much you missed the beach
“The beach is only like an hour away. We can go tomorrow morning if you want.”
You looked at him with wide eyes, smiling from ear to ear
The following morning, you woke up to Gavi running around
He already had everything packed in the car
His newly licensed ass drove you to the beach, and you just played around like kids
You sat on the sand, laying on Pablo’s shoulder
“Pablo, this is the best day ever.”
He pushed your hair behind your ear and kissed you deeply
His heart physically swelled whenever he thought about that moment
s = security (how protective are they? would they like to be protected?)
Super protective of you when he feels like you could be hurt
Whenever you two were out at somewhere rowdy, he always had a hand on you
Ready to fight anybody that touched you
Honestly felt a little emasculated whenever you tried to protect him
Got irritated whenever you fussed over him and his injuries
Started to warm up to it after he got a cut on his face, liking you babying him and being so close to his face
t = try (how much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)
Initially, he wasn’t trying very hard
Just being a teenager really - simple dates and texting a lot
“Pablo, when are we going to go on a real date?”
The question threw him off immensely, causing him to consult his teammates about what classifies as a date
He realized he had been severely lacking in the effort department
Started trying harder - restaurants, cute picnics, thoughtful gifts
You had started thinking he had done something wrong and was trying to compensate
u = ugly (what would be some bad habits of theirs?)
Homie is a S L O B
Like does not pick up after himself at all
Not a problem until you start staying over at his place
He has to remove piles of clothes from the bed just for you two to sleep
He’s also always on his phone
Can’t put it down
Can get really annoying when you’re trying to talk to him and he’s staring at his screen
v = vanity (how concerned are they with their looks?)
In the face, Gavi is not supper confident in his looks
He’s a little insecure that he still looks so young
Wants to look more mature
His body tho????
Yeah, homie knows he’s fine
FOINE
He’s worked hard on his physique, and so he’s confident in the fruits of his efforts
Loves sitting shirtless around the house
You catch him staring at himself in reflective surfaces
Would never say it out loud, but knows he’s got a body to drool over, and uses it to his advantage
w = whole (would they feel incomplete without you?)
I don’t think so
Gavi needs to play football to be complete
That’s the only thing I think he could lose that would make it feel like a piece of his soul was missing
You didn’t complete his world - you were a different world entirely
When you weren’t around, it just felt like he was stuck in a routine
x - xtra (a random headcanon for them.)
Pablo loves seeing you in Barça merch
He just thinks it’s the culmination of all his life coming together when he sees you in the blaugrana
You have a pair of Barça sweats that be especially loves
Literally so careless with all your clothes except your merch
Washes it per label instructions, never rips it off you - the whole nine
y = yuck (what are some things they wouldn't like, either in general or in a partner?)
Hates people who are stuck up
Needs a girl to be down to earth - he’s not making that much money
Can’t deal with anyone uptight either - needs someone willing to just go with the flow
z = zzz (what is a sleep habit of theirs?)
As mentioned previously, gets very hot in his sleep
Can’t cuddle or be too close because man will sweat and stay up all night
Has had a habit of kicking the blankets off since he was a kid
Had to adjust when you started staying over because you would be freezing and curled into a ball in the morning
Has the room super cold and sleeps basically naked when you’re there so he doesn’t get the urge to kick the sheets to the floor
~~
Guys I’m so sleeeeeepyyyyyyyyyy so hope your expectations were low. Also just realized that people schedule things to be posted. Like not everyone posts their fics the second they finish at crackhead hours like me. Oh well.
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